How Long Does Spravato Last?
When to Expect Results and Side Effects from Spravato
Selecting the right treatment for depression can feel daunting, especially if traditional therapies haven’t worked. One of the most common questions we hear from patients considering
Spravato (esketamine) is:
“How long do the effects of Spravato last?”
At Elevium, we aim to make your decision easier by explaining how long Spravato’s benefits typically last, how long side effects persist, and what factors influence these timelines.
What Is Spravato?
Spravato is an innovative nasal spray form of esketamine, a molecule derived from ketamine. It’s FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and for major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Unlike standard antidepressants, which act on serotonin, Spravato influences the glutamate system, helping restore healthy brain activity and form new neural connections. This often leads to rapid symptom relief within hours or days.
Each treatment is self-administered in-clinic under medical supervision, followed by a two-hour observation period to ensure comfort and safety. Learn more about the science of Spravato on our How Spravato Works page.
When Do the Therapeutic Effects of Spravato Occur?
Spravato treatments at Elevium follow a structured plan that typically includes three phases, each tailored to your progress:
Induction Phase (Weeks 1–4)
- Two sessions per week
- This phase builds the foundation for recovery. Many patients start noticing improvements in mood and outlook within days.
Optimization Phase (Weeks 5–8)
- One session per week
- Symptom relief continues to deepen as brain activity stabilizes and new neural pathways strengthen.
Maintenance Phase (Months and Beyond)
- Most patients transition to one session every 1–2 weeks, tailored to their individual progress and clinical stability.
- A
long-term outcomes study by Janssen
(the manufacturer of Spravato) has shown that
ongoing maintenance treatment can help sustain symptom relief and prevent relapse. As a result, some individuals continue maintenance therapy for several months or longer to preserve the benefits they've gained.
Which Treatment Is Right For Me?
Not sure where to begin? Take a short quiz and we’ll guide you to the right treatment.
Timeline of Therapeutic Benefits
Immediate (within hours):
- Reduced suicidal thoughts
- Improved mood and emotional stability
Short-Term (days to weeks):
- Renewed motivation
- Greater enjoyment in daily life
- Improved concentration and emotional regulation
Long-Term (months and beyond):
- Sustained relief from depressive symptoms
- Enhanced social and occupational functioning
- Improved physical health and energy
- Restored sense of well-being and confidence
At Elevium, patient progress is clinically tracked using validated tools such as the PHQ-9 and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), allowing our team to adjust treatment frequency and dosage for optimal therapeutic outcomes.
How Long Do Spravato Side Effects Last?
As with any medication, Spravato can cause side effects - but they’re usually short-lived and carefully monitored in-clinic.
Common Short-Term Side Effects
- Dissociation (feeling “spaced out” or disconnected)
- Dizziness or nausea
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Temporary rise in blood pressure
- Feeling lightheaded or “floaty”
These typically peak within an hour of treatment and fade by the end of the two-hour monitoring period.
Long-Term Side Effects
Long-term adverse effects are rare. Sustained negative outcomes are uncommon when Spravato is used as prescribed under medical supervision. Clinical studies show that fewer than 7% of patients discontinue treatment due to side effects.
Elevium ensures every patient’s safety through in-clinic observation, ongoing communication, and continued tracking of outcomes throughout the course of therapy.
Factors That Influence How Long Spravato Lasts
The duration of Spravato’s therapeutic benefits can vary based on several individual and clinical considerations. While immediate effects may fluctuate due to metabolism and dose, long-term benefits are primarily driven by consistent treatment and underlying neurobiological changes.
- Number of doses and maintenance frequency: Regular ongoing sessions, especially during the maintenance phase, are the strongest predictors of long-term improvement.
- Individual metabolism: May affect how quickly esketamine is processed, influencing immediate effects, but does not diminish long-term antidepressant benefits, which are related to cellular-level changes in the brain.
- Dosage strength (56 mg vs. 84 mg): Higher doses may yield more noticeable effects early on, but long-term outcomes are more influenced by adherence than by dose.
- Concurrent medications: Other prescriptions can influence absorption or response.
- Treatment adherence: Staying consistent with your dosing schedule is crucial to sustained relief.
- Whole-person treatment approach: Incorporating psychotherapy, self-care, and lifestyle changes enhances and supports long-term resilience.
At Elevium, your treatment plan is individualized from start to finish, ensuring optimal results while minimizing side effects.
Elevium’s Approach to Long-Term Wellness
Spravato is most effective as part of a comprehensive, collaborative care plan. Our team monitors each patient’s progress closely, adjusting dosage and frequency as needed to sustain long-term improvement. For many, Spravato is a catalyst that makes other forms of therapy, such as talk therapy or lifestyle interventions, more effective.
So, how long does Spravato last?
The answer depends on your body, your treatment plan, and your consistency, but for many, relief begins within hours and lasts for days to weeks after each dose, with ongoing maintenance extending results even further. At Elevium, we combine cutting-edge science with compassionate, personalized care. Whether you continue with Spravato, explore Ketamine Therapy as an alternative, or pursue both in sequence, our mission is the same: to help you rediscover balance, clarity, and lasting wellness.
Share Article
